The Greenwood County Commission held a short meeting on Monday, April 7, where they discussed routine business.
Greenwood County Health Nurse Jayme Lewis presented Resolution 202536 to allow the health department to opt out of completing inspections of county schools. It was noted that although this statute isn’t new, a formal resolution had been received for the county to approve if they wished to opt out of conducting the inspections on electrical, sewer, structural, etc.
Chair Mac Obourn stated that he would like to communicate with the administration within the county to ensure that inspections are being completed through other sources before approving the opt-out resolution to remove the liability concern. Discussion continued regarding the various inspections that are believed to be completed for the area schools. Obourn referenced a portion of a statute that noted that the local health officer shall, “upon the opening of the fall term of school, make a sanitary inspection of each school building and grounds and shall make such additional inspections as are necessary to protect the public health and students of the school.”
Obourn noted that the statute started in 1885 and updates were noted as recent as 2020 and 2024.
County Counselor Paul Dean shared that he was going to review the resolution and statute to gather additional details.
The commission also advised Lewis to reach out to the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments for more information. EMS Director and Eureka USD 389 Board of Education member Brian Mongeau said, “My suspicion is that if the district doesn’t already have something in place, this gives the county the authority to do that.” Although the county was in favor of opting out of the inspection and approving the resolution, Commissioner Obourn wanted to table the item to ensure that the inspections were already being conducted by the individual districts. Later on in the meeting, the commission held a fiveminute executive session with Counselor Dean for legal matters regarding the resolution. No action was taken.
Lewis also noted that she attended a public health conference recently and during a breakout session was presented with a grant guide. Lewis shared the information with the commission and discussed resources that could assist in future grant opportunities.
Regarding insulation at the Noxious Weed Department, Levi Vinson with Greenwood County Emergency Management shared that foam insulation would not be recommended at the facility due to the amount of labor that would be required at the building to do so. It was noted that it would be more cost-efficient to install a generator. “It’s never froze yet,” stated Commissioner Roy Ballard. “So why would we need a generator is the question I’ve got,” he continued. Detailed discussion continued regarding generators with it being noted that the county has one portable generator that is typically utilized 3-4 times per year. Ballard also questioned what the longest stretch was that Eureka went without power, and noted that the portable generator could be moved from building to building to keep the buildings/chemicals from freezing. Ballard also expressed concern over the cost of installing a transfer switch. It was noted that a single bid was received for a turn-key generator to be installed which was $12,500. “The more county-owned facilities that we have that are on backup power, the more opportunities we have to place people,” stated Vinson. He went on to note that although the county shops aren’t ideal, they would serve as warming locations if needed. The commission concluded the conversation by recommending the county solicit bids for both the installation of a transfer switch to connect to a portable generator as well as installing a generator specifically for the Noxious Weed building.
Discussion was held regarding accepting incounty bids even though they are higher, with Vinson noting that the county handbook notes that the commission could elect to do so as long as the bid wasn’t more than 10% higher than the lowest outof- county bid.
A brief discussion was held regarding Baker Crossing and the increase in the Amish community that utilize the crossing. A five-minute executive session was held for legal matters, pertaining to roads with Vinson and Dean. No action was taken.
The approval of the March 31 meeting minutes was tabled until the next meeting.
Special payables, for April 7, totaling $12,468.88 was approved as presented.
The county commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 14, at 9 a.m.
